Director, Studies, Research and Planning
Ministry of Electricity & Water, Kuwait

Eng. Suhaila Marafi is Director of Dept. of Studies & Research & planning at Ministry of Electricity & Water, Kuwait. She has 32 years of experience in different fields of energy, planning & R & D. Now Responsible for the Long & short-term planning by reflecting annual increase in Demand & the projects planned by housing Authorities & Industries on the future Energy and Water Demand in order to plan to build new power stations & desalination plants to avoid any shortage in either Power or Water. She is also responsible for the development planning follow Up System online data for all MEW Projects up to 2014 & 2015-2019 and feasibility Studies for Renewable Energy Projects & Committee Member with KISR – KFAS & KNPC for Renewable Energy

Executive Director, Energy and Building Research Center
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait

Dr. Osamah Alsayegh is the Executive Director of the Energy and Building Research Center (EBRC) at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), and was the Director of the Science and Technology Division of EBRC from 2013 to May 2017. He has led and participated in number of energy and power system planning and strategies development projects involving conventional, renewable and nuclear systems. Dr. Alsayegh received his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees all in Electrical Engineering in 1990, 1995 and 1999, respectively. He is a Senior Member in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), IEEE Power Society, and Kuwait Society of Engineers.

Executive Director
Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), Egypt

Ahmed Badr joined RCREEE as of 1st of August, 2015 as the new Executive Director. Mr. Badr has more than 20 years of international experience in several senior operational positions in the field of renewable energy, water and infrastructure in most of the multinational financial institutions, namely The World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Commission, and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Mr. Badr is civil engineer graduated from Ain Shams University June 1990, has an operational working experience mainly across 22 Pan-Arab Countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as well as several countries in Sub-Sahran African Countries and East European Countries. This is even further enhanced with Project Management academic experience for managing innovative and entrepreneurial projects from Universite de Nantes, France. Mr. Badr is married and has two children, both in preparatory school stage.

Executive Director, Energy and Building Research Center
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait

Dr. Osamah Alsayegh is the Executive Director of the Energy and Building Research Center (EBRC) at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), and was the Director of the Science and Technology Division of EBRC from 2013 to May 2017. He has led and participated in number of energy and power system planning and strategies development projects involving conventional, renewable and nuclear systems. Dr. Alsayegh received his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees all in Electrical Engineering in 1990, 1995 and 1999, respectively. He is a Senior Member in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), IEEE Power Society, and Kuwait Society of Engineers.

Head, Institute Center for Energy (iEnergy) and Professor, Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE

Dr. Jens Ejbye Schmidt is currently a full professor in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Department of Chemistry, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Masdar Campus with focus on biofuels, biochemistry and development of biorefinery concepts. Prior to his appointment at Masdar Institute, Dr. Schmidt was Head of the Bioenergy & Biorefinery Program at Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Dr. Schmidt has published more than 300 technical articles and book chapters.

Deputy Director General
Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science, Kuwait

Currently Dr. Alhajraf holds the position as the Deputy Director General at the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement (KFAS). Before moving to KFAS, Dr. Alhajraf was holding the position of Executive Director for the Energy and Building Research Center at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) between 2013-2017. He is also the founder and director of the Shagaya Renewable Energy Initiative since 2009. Since 2005, Dr. Alhajraf holds the position of Research Scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research then Manager for the Renewable Energy research program between 2010 and 2013. Dr. Alhajraf has more than 25 years of experience in various scientific research fields including renewable energy and clean energy technologies and feasibility studies. His experience covers strategic planning, new technology due diligence, fund rising, team formation, project leadership and execution. Since 2001, Mr. Alhajraf developed, managed and executed more than 15 client funded research projects and participated in many others.

Specialist Engineer, Design & Supervision Department-Technical Services & Main Workshops Sector
Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait

Eng. Basem Al Musallam is the Section head of Design & Supervision Department-Technical Services & Main Workshops Sector at Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait. He has Bachelor’s in engineering from Kuwait University at 2004 and MBA from Kuwait Maastricht Business School at 2012 with publication for photovoltaic systems and strategic management. He has been working with MEW since 2006 and responsible for designing photovoltaic projects for MEW since 2012 as the leading PV specialist engineer.

Executive Director
Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), Egypt

Ahmed Badr joined RCREEE as of 1st of August, 2015 as the new Executive Director. Mr. Badr has more than 20 years of international experience in several senior operational positions in the field of renewable energy, water and infrastructure in most of the multinational financial institutions, namely The World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Commission, and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Mr. Badr is civil engineer graduated from Ain Shams University June 1990, has an operational working experience mainly across 22 Pan-Arab Countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as well as several countries in Sub-Sahran African Countries and East European Countries. This is even further enhanced with Project Management academic experience for managing innovative and entrepreneurial projects from Universite de Nantes, France. Mr. Badr is married and has two children, both in preparatory school stage.

Chief Network Officer
GCC Interconnection Authority, KSA

Mohamed Shaikh currently in the position “Chief Network Officer” responsible for the management, maintenance and Field operation of GCCIA assets comprising 400 KV substations, Back to Back HVDC converter stations, 1000 KM 400 KV overhead transmission lines, 50 KM 400 KV submarine cables, and 15 KM 400 KV land cables. Responsibilities include management of insurance services, Planning, Projects and contract management. In 2009 to date appointed General Secretary of the GCC Planning Committee concerned with studies such as GCCIA Generation Capacity Expansion Studies, Installed Capacity compliance verification, Network Expansion Studies within and beyond the GCC and perform Planning studies related to the Interconnection. In 2007 Joined the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) at the start of the GCCIA Interconnection project to be part of the team for the management of the construction phase and establish / prepare for the operation and maintenance phase. In 2008 appointed as a project manager for the development of the GCCIA fiber optic strategy and commercialize the GCCIA fiber network to the telecom industry. Authored several papers, conducted studies and participated in conferences. Chaired several committees and conducted arbitration. Chaired the Environment Committee in the Bahrain Society of Engineers. Prior to joining GCCIA Worked with Electricity and Water Authority in Bahrain for 25 years in the operation, maintenance, planning and projects. Hold BSc in Electrical Engineering (1984) and MSC in Engineering and Management (1997), Diploma in Project Management (2004) Chartered Engineer (UK) since 2011.

Senior Environmental Expert
Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Oman

Professor Steve Halls is an Engineer and Biologist by training and has been an Environmental and Sustainability Professor, Researcher and Consultant for the past 25+ years. He is currently working with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Oman. He is involved in the development of a National Environmental Policy for Oman based upon energy source diversification. Dr Halls is former Director of UNEP IETC and his fields of professional expertise include sustainability/environmental policy analysis and compliance; risk assessment (including climate change); renewable energy policy and technology; industrial ecology, eco-innovation.

Director, Department of Excellence
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Sharjah

Mohammad Abdalla Bin Ali is Director of Excellence at SEWA. He joined SEWA in 2000 in Information Technology Department. In 2008 he assigned to be Director of Technology Services in SEWA Head Office. In 2013 he promoted to Director of Strategic Planning & Corporate Excellence in Director General Office – Head Office. In 2014 he promoted to Director of Excellence – HO (Performance Management, Strategy, TQM, Award) he holds a degree of master in Executive MBA – from University of Sharjah, Software Engineering from UAE University, leadership program from University of Exeter in UK, leadership accreditation from (CSC) Singapore he is also ILM Certified level 7 (leadership and management Award) and Certified in EFQM, ISO 9001, 14001, 18001, 50001.

Director, Demand Side Management
Supreme Council of Energy, UAE

Faisal Ali Rashid, U.A.E national, a degree holder of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Dayton, Ohio university, U.S.A 1991. Also, a certified PMP (Project Management Professional). Has a wide and solid experience in energy management including supply, strategy and demand. Has strong background in process industrial plant including oil & gas, power& water generation process, material handling process, glass manufacturing process, etc.

Current job is energy Demand side director in Dubai Supreme Council of Energy looking after the whole energy demand management spectrum of emirate of Dubai. Served previously in oil and gas industry for many years as project division manager / Project Manager, handled mega feed and EPC projects and worked as general manager in glass manufacturing company as well.

Director
EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network

Frank Wouters has been leading renewable energy projects, transactions, and technology development for over 28 years. He has played a lead role in development of renewable generation projects valued at over $5 billion. These include the 100MW Shams I Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant in the UAE, and strategic equity investment in the London Array, the world’s largest offshore wind project. As Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) he managed a US$350 million IRENA/Abu Dhabi Fund for Development project facility for RE. He currently serves as Director of the EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network, he is advising the World Bank on solar energy around the world, he serves as Sr. Director New Energy at Advisian, and he is a non-executive Board Director of Gorestreet Capital, London. He has a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University. He is fluent in English, German and Dutch.

Director General, The National Renewable Energy Data Center
King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy K●A●CARE, KSA

Hussain Shibli is the Director General of the National Renewable Energy Data Center, part of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy. He started his career in renewable energy field since 2013 as a renewable energy researcher. During his career, Mr. Shibli, with the center team, developed the solar and wind ground measurement networks. Moreover, they have developed the solar satellite model, technologies’ simulations, and energy forecasting tools. He got his master’s Degree in communications and Signal Processing from King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, and his bachelor degree from King Abdulaziz University.

Sales Director, Energy Solutions
Wärtsilä Energy Solutions, Middle East and Asia

Ms. Upma has a Bachelor’s degree of Electrical Engineering and has more than 20 years working experience in the energy sector. She started her career with the design engineering of electrical systems for coal based Thermal Power Plants in India. In Wärtsilä, she has held positions in project engineering and delivery management, proposal management and business development in India and Middle East. Her expertise lies in developing value prepositions for new markets in Middle East and Asia for Combustion Engine based power plants in Utility sector through active market development. She led the sales process for the Guinness World of Record holder, the largest combustion engine based power plant, 573 MW in Jordan following the Smart Power Generation. She has also led the first hybrid PV plant in IPP4, Jordan and the island mode Smart power generation plant in Musandam, Oman. Upma has been closely working with important stake holders in electricity sector, utilities, regulators, transmission system operators, IPPs to develop country level value prepositions showing economic and environmental benefits in a sustainable manner.

Manager, Business Development, Energy Storage and Integration
Wärtsilä Energy Solutions

Hans-Alexander Öst is a Manager, Business Development, in Wärtsilä Energy Solutions. During his ten-year career he has been involved in both project execution and sales of power plants globally. Besides the several leadership positions in project management, he is as of today an integral part in several strategic business development projects. One of his focus areas today is to explore and develop the value for energy storage solutions, both as stand-alone assets as well as fully integrated hybrid solutions combining energy storage with renewable and thermal -generation. Mr. Öst has a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Åbo Akademi University.

Area Manager, France and Middle East & North Africa
TESVOLT GmbH

I’m Aymen Ben Hassine, Energy Engineer and Area Manager MENA by TESVOLT. I’m working by TESVOLT since 2016 and I’m Area Manager of MENA and of the French Speaking countries.

Director, New and Renewable Energy Department
Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC), Egypt

Nessreen Mohamed Rady was born in Cairo, Egypt. She finished her bachelor in Electric Power and Machines at Ain Shams University, Egypt in 2002. She received the MSc. degree from the University of Ain Shams, Egypt in 2006, and the Ph.D. degree from Ain Shams University, Egypt in 2013. She worked for one year for Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS), and is currently the director of new and renewable energy department at Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC). She is a member of Committees of the Egyptian grid connection code of renewable resources and specifications of PV installations.

Chief Technology Advisor, Middle East and Africa
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., UAE

Dr. Hawat, Chief Technology Advisor at HUAWEI FusionSolar Smart PV Business for the MEA region. his responsibilities include establishing and overseeing Huawei client relations, coordination of project design and execution, origination and strategy development for partnerships. Dr. Hawat Joins Huawei from ME-Engineers with a strong background in general contracting, construction management for projects ranging in value up to USD 1.5 Billion. Work history includes some of the most recognized project in the world, mixed use commercial projects in the Americas and the Middle East.

Resourceful and team oriented senior executive Hold a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Paris VI and Master degree in Optical Engineering from the IEMN, with IMBA from Daniels College of Business, Denver University, having more than 24 years progressive experience in project management, electrical systems integration, and design for various type of industries that includes government, educational, commercial, laboratory, hospitality, sports, energy and infrastructure facilities.

Dr. Hawat brings professional experience maintaining high-performing fault tolerant systems on multiple platforms and had the opportunity to participate on many significant international projects, spending from the North Pole to the South Pole regions and hold more than 45 published papers ranging from atmospheric remote sensing, solar measurement and satellite validation campaigns.

Deputy Managing Director & Sales Director
Ingeteam, Italy

Mr. Mauro Rivola is the Deputy Managing Director & Sales Director of Ingeteam Srl, a role he has held since last year. Prior to that, Mauro Rivola worked as Technical Sales Manager in some of the most important Italian companies in renewable energies and power conversion field for more than 30 years such as Elettronica Santerno and Borri. Mr. Rivola has a long skilled technical experience in power and control electronics and electrical engineering field.

Co-director, Geopolitics of Renewable Energy Project Belfer Center
Harvard Kennedy School, USA

Dr. Juergen Braunstein is co-directing the Geopolitics of Renewable Energy Project at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. His research focuses on the drivers as well as consequences of the green energy ‘revolution’ for the global energy composition and its implications for existing and future interstate relations. Prior to this he coordinated the New Climate Economy Special Initiative on financing the urban transition at LSE Cities. Juergen is currently finishing a book on the politics and the variation of sovereign wealth (under contract with Michigan University Press). He has a B.A. from the University of Vienna and a masters and doctorate from the London School of Economics.

Team Leader, Environment
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC)

Capt. Musaed Salman holds a Master Mariner Class 1 Certificate and has commanded a number Marine Tankers of VLCC category while employed with KOTC. He has also completed Team Leader Off Shore Emergency Response approved by Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization. Subsequently, He worked in Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) as Team Leader, Oil Spill Response and as Team Leader, Fire Protection/Crisis Management & Security (HSSE Group). Captain Musaed is currently working as Environment at Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation (KNPC), which he is responsible to handle and managing all Environmental issues & activities in Mina Al-Ahmadi, Mina Abdulla Refineries & Local Marketing. His achievement includes successful completion of Environmental & Social Due Diligence of KNPC Refineries and Clean Fuel Project against World Bank & IFC’s Environmental and Social Standards.

Renewables Lab Manager
GCC Electrical Testing LAB Company

Mohammad holds M.S. degree in Photovoltaic and Solar Energy from New South Wales University ( 2014 ) and B.S, Degree in Applied Electrical Engineering (AEE) from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Saudi Arabia, Dhahran (2006). He has more than 12 years of experience with Saudi Aramco in the area of Electrical Power Systems engineering, protection, Co-Generation and Operations. Mohammad was assigned to lead KSA geothermal resource assessment study including low and high enthalpy resources, a first of its kind study in the region (in 2012)

President & CEO
ACWA Power

Mr. Padmanathan, a professional Civil Engineer with over 35+ years of experience, has served ACWA Power from 2005 as the company grew from a startup to where it is today; a leading private developer, owner and operator of power generation and desalinated water production plants headquartered in Saudi Arabia.

A graduate of University of Manchester, UK, Mr. Padmanathan started his career as a consulting engineer delivering infrastructure projects financed by the national treasuries and multilateral financial agencies and moved on to develop privately financed power, water and wastewater projects in over a dozen countries. A substantial period of his career before ACWA Power was with Black & Veatch, a US headquartered multinational engineer & constructor where he served as a Vice President and Corporate officer.

Mr. Padmanathan also serves on the board of directors of several companies all operating in the water and power sectors.